Skill Upgrading Research Articles

Work in Sweden 1974–2010

This article traces work-life evolution in Sweden during recent decades against the backdrop of long-run structural change tied to class and gender. We examine the development of four key labor market features: (a) occupational sex segregation, (b) gender gaps in job quality, (c) skill upgrading and mismatch, and (d) youth employment. While occupational and educational upgrading is beneficial for most people, some groups face waning work-life prospects. Maintaining social inclusion is the great challenge for the future.

Whither ‘high-tech’ labor? Codification and (de-)skilling in automotive components value chains

This paper seeks to address the limits of the global value chain (GVC) framework for explaining processes of deskilling in the changing international division of labor, outsourcing and offshoring. In the GVC framework, deskilling is insufficiently addressed in the context of social upgrading which usually focuses on measureable labor standards and enabling rights. Using a case study of component manufacturing in the automotive sector, this study shows that a critical understanding of the codification process is key for identifying how deskilling occurs within international divisions of labor in a high-tech industry. The paper draws on Michael Polanyi’s conceptualization of tacit knowledge and Harry Braverman’s work on labor and monopoly capital to refine and frame the role of codification in GVC governance structures. Currently, explanations of the ability to codify knowledge center on a technical and, at most, implicit experiential dimension of tacit knowledge (the know-how acquired through experience), and thus only on one of two constituents of Polanyi’s conceptualization. Yet the cognitive dimension, which relies on the articulation and sharing of experiences, imitation, performance and other forms of knowledge exchange among workers, is largely absent. This is detrimental to explaining the complex processes of deskilling within GVCs. Empirically, our argument is illustrated by analyzing intra-firm decisions on codifying information for the manufacturing of automotive magnet components in Europe and in the magnet industry hub of Ningbo, China. Specifically, we discuss how these decisions liberate some workers in some places for skill upgrading (upskilling), but are clearly limiting many others to perform routine tasks removed from any innovative collaboration, i.e. (relative) deskilling. The paper finds an international division of labor facilitated and maintained to no small extent by intra-firm decision-making on knowledge codification, with mixed results for skills upgrading and (relative) deskilling.

Competitiveness of Pakistan’s Micro and Small Enterprises Sector

It was a perturbing meeting for Mujtba Akram, Head of the Industry Support Cell in Micro and Small Enterprises Development Organization (MSEDO), an organization working specifically for technology transfer and skills upgradation in industrial sectors of Pakistan. The Management Committee (MC), comprising of all eight newly appointed General Managers (GMs) and Chairman of MSEDO, has very candidly told Mujtaba that his approach to run Micro and Small Enterprises Support Cell (MSESC) has been short sighted; resultantly, both the country as well MSEDO has missed a great opportunity to augment technological competitiveness among local micro and small enterprises (MSEs). He was asked to submit a detailed explanation to the MC, in purview of the discussions held during the meeting.

Product Imitation and Skill Upgrading: Firm Level Evidence from Developing Countries

The present study investigates how product imitation contributes to firms’ skill upgrading. Product imitation is not a uniform strategy. The extent to which imitating firms rely on information obta...

Problem-Oriented Corporate Knowledge Base Models on the Case-Based Reasoning Approach Basis

One of the urgent directions of efficiency enhancement of production processes and enterprises activities management is creation and use of corporate knowledge bases. The article suggests a concept of problem-oriented corporate knowledge bases (PO CKB), in which knowledge is arranged around possible problem situations and represents a tool for making and implementing decisions in such situations. For knowledge representation in PO CKB a case-based reasoning approach is encouraged to use. Under this approach, the content of a case as a knowledge base component has been defined; based on the situation tree a PO CKB knowledge model has been developed, in which the knowledge about typical situations as well as specific examples of situations and solutions have been represented. A generalized problem-oriented corporate knowledge base structural chart and possible modes of its operation have been suggested. The obtained models allow creating and using corporate knowledge bases for support of decision making and implementing, training, staff skill upgrading and analysis of the decisions taken. The universal interpretation of terms “situation” and “solution” adopted in the work allows using the suggested models to develop problem-oriented corporate knowledge bases in different subject domains. It has been suggested to use the developed models for making corporate knowledge bases of the enterprises that operate engineer systems and networks at large production facilities.

Digital innovation and the fourth industrial revolution: epochal social changes?

ITC technologies have come to comprehensively represent images and expectations of the future. Hopes of ongoing progress, economic growth, skill upgrading and possibly also democratisation are attached to new ICTs as well as fears of totalitarian control, alienation, job loss and insecurity. Currently, with the terms "Industry 4.0." and ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution” (FIR), public institutions (such as the national governments of Germany, Us, Italy, France, and Hollande), private institutions (the World Economic Forum, Hedge Funds, commercial banks), and literature refer to the inchoate transformation of production of goods and services resulting from the application of a new wave of technological innovations: interconnected collaborative robots; machine learning; Artificial Intelligence; 3D printers connected to digital development software; simulation of interconnected machines; integration of the information flow along the value chain; multidirectional communication between manufacturing processes and products (Internet of Things). According to the main representations of Industry 4.0. by private and public institutions, its effects are expected to be mainly positive, for what regards productivity, economic opportunities and the future of work. The positive potentials now attributed to the new cycle of innovation evoke and expand those attributed to the previous waves of innovation linked to ITC technologies, and, even before, to the transition from Fordism to Post-Fordism. However, these transformations have so far not achieved any of the promises they raised. Improvements for workers in terms of work conditions, work performance and work relationships cannot be determined by any technical innovation in itself, being technological innovation always socially shaped.

Skill Development for Youths: Recent Initiatives in Karnataka

<div><p><em>Unemployment is a serious issue in India as well as in all the states as many youths are having educational qualifications but not skills as a sequel they are not employable. In view of this, the Government of India has set up Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship in recent years. The Ministry is responsible for co-ordination of all skill development efforts across the country, removal of disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower, building the vocational and technical training framework, skill up-gradation, building of new skills, and innovative thinking not only for existing jobs but also jobs that are to be created. Like other State Governments, the Government of Karnataka has taken initiative to set up the Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department to address skilling issues in the State. The Department came into existence in September 2016 to embark on a formidable journey of skilling youth of the state and make them employable.</em></p><p><em>The goal of the skill development in Karnataka is to impart skills annually to 13.4 lakh workforce and new entrants who desire to achieve sustainable livelihood either through wage employment or self-employment. Policy will focus primarily on young persons of 16 to 35 years of age for the period from 2016 to 2030. In this research paper few important initiatives are highlighted</em>.</p></div>

The People's Republic of China's Import Competition and Skill Demand in Japanese Manufacturing

This paper examines the hypothesis that manufacturing industries in Japan that have been exposed to import competition from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) experience greater skill upgrading (increased demand for skilled workers). Using an industry panel dataset over the period 1980–2010, we exploit variations of worker skill categories by occupation, paired with detailed information and communication technology investment data in the employment share regression. We find that while the PRC’s comparative advantages in exports have shifted from labor-intensive to more capital-intensive products, this has not resulted in substituting skilled workers in Japanese manufacturing. Rather, it has had the profound positive effect of raising overall demand for skilled workers. Most of the competition effects were felt among production workers, leaving middle-skilled workers largely unaffected.

Group approach for enhancing profitability of small holders through technology integration-reflections from coconut farming

<p>Technology integration for enhancing productivity and income from coconut farming, facilitated through stakeholder participation, was a major objective of the NAIP sub-project on ‘Value chain in coconut’ implemented in a consortium mode with ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod as the lead institute. To achieve this objective, 10 clusters of coconut farmers were formed under the project in selected panchayats of Kasaragod district in Kerala state. A total of 534 farmers covering 250 ha participated in the project interventions. Appropriate production technologies were integrated in their holdings which included intercropping, growing of leguminous crops in the coconut basin, organic recycling through vermicomposting and integrated nutrient management. Group action was initiated among the farmers for taking up need-based integrated disease management measures especially to control bud rot disease of coconut. Knowledge and skill upgradation of farmers on the selected technologies were achieved through various institutional and off campus training programmes. The net income from the coconut farming in small and marginal holdings could be increased through the interventions under the project. Technology integration in the holdings also resulted in the increase of coconut productivity from 60 to 112 nuts per palm. Technology integration in small and marginal coconut holdings for higher productivity and income through Community Based Organizations approach is scaled up by other agencies like Coconut Development Board for implementing development/extension programmes.</p>

Effects of foreign acquisitions on R&D and high-skill activities

Using Swedish microdata, we find no evidence for the concerns circulating in the public debate that foreign acquisitions lead to reductions in both R&D expenditures and high-skilled activities in targeted domestic firms for either MNEs or non-MNEs. Previous studies have only focused on larger firms. In this paper, we are able to study the impact on smaller firms (fewer than 50 employees), which is important because 90% of the firms acquired by foreign enterprises meet this criterion. For this group of firms, there is no information on R&D, but by using the register of educational attainment, we obtain data on the share of high-skilled labour in all Swedish firms, irrespective of size. Interestingly, we find that among smaller firms, foreign enterprises tend to acquire high-productive, skill-intensive firms (cherry-picking). After the acquisitions, skill upgrading appears in acquired smaller, non-MNE firms, particularly in the service sector.

Status of Women Artisans in Chikan Embroidery Industry of Lucknow: A Study of Reorganisation under Innovative Group Entrepreneurship and Skill Upgradation

The present paper aims to focus attention on the status of female artisans engaged in the chikan industry of Lucknow. Our investigation led us to our findings relating to their extreme poverty and to the uncongenial conditions at the workplace which is either the work centre or their homes. Almost all of them are drawn from the lower class Muslim family background marked by illiteracy and superstitions. They are exploited by the work providers who are either contractors or the middlemen who bring them work from the wholesale business managers of their products. There exist no social or economic security provisions for them because their work falls in the unorganised sector. But they are in fact contributors to the local and regional economy of the state of Uttar Pradesh, though their access to better knowledge, skills, resources, opportunities and power still remains rather low. Only that would enable them to fully realise their potential and capability.

Vocational Education and Training: Quality & Employability

Vocational education system relates to programmes of study with job readiness. Though vocational education is non-formal in nature and focuses primarily on industry specific trade, occupation or vocational study enabling grass-root level people to acquire job specific skills based on hands-on-practice and/or training for their gainful employment. The Indian education system recognizes the role of vocational education, keeping in view the demand of highly skilled labour force both in the government as well as private/business sectors. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) set up by the Government of India plays an important role in co-ordination with its allied bodies like - National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils (SSC) and training partners for fulfilling the industrial requirements of trained and skilled manpower, besides skill up-gradation, and building of new skills not only for existing jobs but also aiming at jobs that are to be created in near future. Notwithstanding that there are many areas in which India is facing challenges to overcome problems in implementation of vocational education in regard to quality and employability, the paper intends to emphasize on some aspects of quality, employability and Government’s role in vocational education programme implementation.

Offshoring and Wage Inequality: Theory and Evidence from China

We present a global production sharing model that integrates the organizational choices of offshoring into the determination of relative wages in developing countries. The model shows that offshoring through foreign direct investment contributes more prominently than arm's length outsourcing to the demand for skill in the South, thereby increasing the relative wage of skilled workers. We incorporate these theoretical results into an augmented Mincer earnings function and test the model based on a natural experiment in which China lifted its restrictions on foreign ownership for multinational companies upon its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. Empirical findings based on detailed Urban Household Surveys and trade data from Chinese customs provide support to our proposed theory, thus shedding light on the changes in firm ownership structure, the skill upgrading in exports, and the evolution of wage inequality from 1992 to 2008 in China's manufacturing sector.

Offshoring and Wage Inequality: Theory and Evidence from China

We present a global production sharing model that integrates the organizational choices of offshoring into the determination of relative wages in developing countries. The model shows that offshoring through foreign direct investment contributes more prominently than arm’s length outsourcing to the demand for skill in the South, thereby increasing the relative wage of skilled workers. We incorporate these theoretical results into an augmented Mincer earnings function and test the model based on a natural experiment in which China lifted its restrictions on foreign ownership for multinational companies upon its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. Empirical findings based on detailed Urban Household Surveys and trade data from Chinese customs provide support to our proposed theory, thus shedding light on the changes in firm ownership structure, the skill upgrading in exports, and the evolution of wage inequality from 1992 to 2008 in China’s manufacturing sector.

Restructuring of dental implant education in India

Various treatment modalities have been proposed and practiced over the years for comforting the functions of individuals with enhanced life expectancy leading to an aging population. These therapeutic modalities are directed toward providing masticatory apparatus to patients with atrophic edentulous ridges. After evolving over several years, clinicians have now been enabled to use dental implants and provide a functionally viable and esthetically pleasing masticatory apparatus to their patients. However, majority of the dentists lack the detailed knowledge, skills, and experience which are necessary and essential for a successful implant therapy. Various training programs have been conducted across the country with the motive to bridge the gap between the clinician and the therapy. However, the existing training programs and courses lack the detailed theoretical inputs and deliberations, which form the very basis for an implicative understanding of the therapeutic modality and thus do not offer desired outcomes many a times. The success of implant therapy depends not only merely in achieving osseointegration of the implant but also providing the esthetic and functional standards, which are in tune with the patient's expectation. Oral implantology cases can be briefly divided based on their complexity as either straightforward or complex placement and/or restoration of implant. To benefit the society at large, it is high time that training programs be proposed with differential skill upgradation with different avenues. The article proposes a few training avenues for the dental professionals which if taken up in the right perspective will restructure the education in oral implantology in our country. Such training avenues need to be brought under regulatory bodies such as the State Health Universities and Dental Council of India so as to achieve a desired standardization and uniformity.

STRATEGI KEBIJAKAN PEMERINTAH KABUPATEN PAMEKASAN TENTANG EKONOMI KERAKYATAN MELALUI PEMBERDAYAAN DAN PENGUATAN MANAGEMEN PERMODALAN KOPERASI BERBASIS SYARIAH DI DESA CEGUK

This is an economic study specifying in Sharia Cooperation as the process of empowerment to increase the economy of kerakyatan (public based economy). The focuses of study are firstly: how is the mapping of local potencies as the basic capital of the establishment of Sharia cooperation in Ceguk Village? Secondly, how is the acceleration of manager quality skill of the sharia cooperation in fulfilling the members need? Thirdly, how are the social networks created to upgrade the cooperation so that it becomes autonomous. Fourthly, how to manage, strengthen, and develop sharia cooperation in increasing managerial aspects? The data analysis techniques used by this research are: firstly, the mapping of local potencies; secondly, the upgrading of the manager skills; thirdly, strengthening the social networks among the mangers and stakeholders; fourthly, application of administration of managerial aspects, the process of accompaniment, and the formulation of the AD/ART (basic articles of understandings) of sharia cooperation. The results of research indicate that firstly, the chair of KJKS Al Ijtihad stated that the members are unable to settle up the debts however it creates the dependency of farmers to the middlemen. The culture of entrepreneurship of the farmers are remain simple it is characterized with the model of family management that the orientation tends to be more consumptive based rather than saving based particularly in the period of famine. Secondly, the researchers have accompanied the activity of manual finance note. The outcome of the audit shows that expenses on the basis of software on May 2015 were stated Rp. 20.000. However, it was different after the crosschecked was done, the expense was much greater, it was Rp. 36.000. It resulted inaccurate the finance report. The inaccuracy affected invalidity that the finance report cannot be used as control and planning device for the cooperation or investors for investment; thirdly, the strengthen of social networks among, sharia cooperation, stake holders, Dinas Koperasi (state cooperation service) and UMKM through FGD (Focus Group Discussion). The cooperation among these stakeholders is built on the basis of solid rooted trust in society; fourthly, management, strengthening, and development of KJKS Al Ijtihad have been focused on the application of the administration of managerial aspects, process of accompaniment, post training practice, and the formulation of AD/ART (basic articles of understandings) with monitoring and evaluation.

Improving Data Handling in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions through Effective Electronic Record Management

Objectives: This paper focused on the perceived impact of electronic records management on data handling in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, using Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State College of Education Ikwo, Federal University of Nigeria Ikwo and Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana as a case study. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The stratified random sampling technique was used to select 50 Heads of Department, 120 Academic Staff, and 330 Non-Academic Staff, making a total of 500 sample respondents. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data while mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the responses. 460 copies of answered questionnaire out of the 500 copies that were distributed were returned, found reliable and used for data analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that the application of electronic records management system in the tertiary institutions eased document storage and retrieval, including data security, and facilitated faster information dissemination thereby reducing delays hitherto experienced carrying out the general management functions of organizing, coordinating, analyzing and controlling of institutional activities. However, the study uncovers the need for staff skill upgrade in handling office technologies. Accordingly, the study recommended re-training of staff on electronic record management to improve their knowledge and effectiveness in processing of information, preservation of information, flow of information, as well as security of information. Application/Improvement: The findings of the study will be useful in office record management.

Paths and Strategies Towards the FTAAP: Linking Integration and Inclusive Growth

While the pathway to the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) has been intensely discussed with a focus on its architecture, something has been missing: how to link trade and investment liberalization with inclusive growth of the APEC economies. The APEC economies have been increasingly open to trade and investment, but domestic distortions persist. The consequences have been less beneficial effects of trade and investment liberalization to domestic stakeholders. In particular, less-advantageous minorities have become more vulnerable to external economic shocks. If these failures are not urgently and seriously addressed, political support for further integration towards the FTAAP will continue to weaken. This reckoning has led to this paper.This paper offers policy options to make the FTAAP more conducive to inclusive growth of the APEC economies. Policy proposals are offered in two fronts. At negotiations, a grand compromise between advanced and developing economies should be sought to make negotiations agenda more comprehensive and balanced. Under this grand bargain, protected sectors in advanced economies -- potential exporting sectors for developing economies -- would be opened in exchange for more commitment in new rules by developing economies. To make this grand bargain politically possible, each side should do its homework domestically. Empowering human capital and skill upgrading programs will be urgent and imperative, along with designing more effective trade adjustment assistance programs. To enhance the possibility of achieving this comprehensive and balanced agenda, and to ensure all are on board, a two-track commitment should be designed. At the domestic front, major distortions which have obstructed a more inclusive integration in the past should be urgently corrected. Specifically, policy preference for incumbents should be removed; labor markets should become less rigid; capital markets should be accessible to all; and social safety nets should be strengthened.

MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN SERVICE DALAM PERMAINAN BOLA VOLLY DENGAN MAKE A MATCH PADA SISWA KELAS VII-H SMP NEGERI 1 WONOASRI

<p>In the learning process of Physical Education in, teachers are expected to teach varieties of basic motor skills, techniques and strategy of games and sports, internalization of values (sportsmanship, honesty, cooperation, etc.) as well as the conditioning of healthy lifestyles. The implementation is not through conventional teaching in the classroom consisting theoretical studies, but it also involves elements of physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and social. The activities which are given in teaching should get a methodical didactic touch, so that the activities carried out can achieve the aim of teaching. The problem formulation of this research is: is there an increase in the ability of service in the game of volleyball with “make-match” at VII-H grade of SMP Negeri 1 Wonoasri in 2012/2013 academic year? The purpose Classroom Action Research (CAR) is to improve the quality of learning on the physical education in doing “service” in a volleyball game through a “make-match” learning approach</p><p> In this study, researchers have collaboration with other teachers and the principal. Researchers are involved in the study from the beginning to the end of the researech. Researchers try to see, observe, feel, live, reflect and evaluate learning activities that take place. The implementation stages of the action research consist of planning, acting, observation, and reflection. To obtain accurate results, the collected data in study were statistically analyzed using the formulas of mean or average.</p><p> The result showed that the average value of the first cycle of 66.14 (46.33%) while the Cycle II 91.29 (96.43%) in the second cycle, it has increased significantly. Referring to the hypothesis that the actions proposed in this class action research, it can be concluded that: there is an increased ability of “service” in volleyball games with “make-a-match” at VII-H grade of SMP Negeri 1 Wonoasri in 2012/2013 academic year.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keyword</strong>s: Skill Upgrading, Make A-Match</p>

Does importing intermediates increase the demand for skilled workers? Plant-level evidence from Indonesia

This paper examines whether starting to import contributes to skill upgrading among Indonesian plants. Our data records the distribution of years of employee schooling in each plant. We examine how starting to import affects the demand for highly educated workers within and across production and non-production occupations categories at the plant level. We estimate a model of importing and skill-biased technological change in which selection into importing arises due to unobservable heterogenous returns from importing. Both instrumental variable regression and marginal treatment effect estimates confirm that importing has substantially increased the relative demand for educated workers within each occupation. In contrast, we do not consistently estimate a significant impact of importing on the relative demand for non-production workers.